O*NET Career Intelligence

Physician Assistants

SOC 29-1071.00

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Zone 5 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Active Listening

4.1

Speaking

4.1

Critical Thinking

4.1

Social Perceptiveness

4.0

Service Orientation

4.0

Judgment and Decision Making

3.9

Monitoring

3.8

Knowledge Areas 8

Medicine and Dentistry

4.9

Biology

4.7

Psychology

4.3

Therapy and Counseling

4.2

English Language

4.2

Customer and Personal Service

4.2

Education and Training

3.3

Computers and Electronics

3.2

Key Tasks

1Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.

2Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.

3Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.

4Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.

5Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.

Also Known As

Anesthesia Technician Anesthesiologist Assistant Anesthetic Assistant Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) Certified Physician's Assistant Clinical Physician Assistant Doctor Doctor Assistant Family Practice Physician Assistant General Surgery Physician Assistant